Configurable Power Saving Signal with Multiple Functionalities in 5G NR

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a wireless device to perform methods for configuring a power savings signal in fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) networks. The wireless device may transmit, to a base station within a network, power savings requirements and receiving, from the base station, a configuration of a power saving signal, where the configuration indicates one or more functionalities of the power saving signal. The wireless device may periodically receive, from the base station, the power saving signal and interpret the power saving signal based on the configuration. The configuration of the power saving signal may be received via radio resource control signaling.

PRIORITY DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/835,579, filed Mar. 31, 2020, which claims benefit of priority toU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/827,810, filed Apr. 1, 2019,and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/828,735, filed Apr. 3,2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entiretyas though fully and completely set forth herein.

The claims in the instant application are different than those of theparent application and/or other related applications. The Applicanttherefore rescinds any disclaimer of claim scope made in the parentapplication and/or any predecessor application in relation to theinstant application. Any such previous disclaimer and the citedreferences that it was made to avoid, may need to be revisited. Further,any disclaimer made in the instant application should not be read intoor against the parent application and/or other related applications.

FIELD

The present application relates to wireless devices, and moreparticularly to apparatus, systems, and methods for a wireless device toperform a variety of cellular communication techniques.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Wireless communication systems are rapidly growing in usage. In recentyears, wireless devices such as smart phones and tablet computers havebecome increasingly sophisticated. In addition to supporting telephonecalls, many mobile devices now provide access to the internet, email,text messaging, and navigation using the global positioning system(GPS), and are capable of operating sophisticated applications thatutilize these functionalities. Additionally, there exist numerousdifferent wireless communication technologies and standards. Someexamples of wireless communication standards include GSM, UMTS(associated with, for example, WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE,LTE Advanced (LTE-A), HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD,eHRPD), IEEE 802.11 (WLAN or Wi-Fi), BLUETOOTH™, etc.

The ever-increasing number of features and functionality introduced inwireless communication devices also creates a continuous need forimprovement in both wireless communications and in wirelesscommunication devices. To increase coverage and better serve theincreasing demand and range of envisioned uses of wirelesscommunication, in addition to the communication standards mentionedabove, there are further wireless communication technologies underdevelopment, including fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR)communication. Accordingly, improvements in the field in support of suchdevelopment and design are desired.

SUMMARY

Embodiments relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods to configure apower savings signal in fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) networks.

The techniques described herein may be implemented in and/or used with anumber of different types of devices, including but not limited tocellular phones, tablet computers, wearable computing devices, portablemedia players, and any of various other computing devices.

In some embodiments, a wireless device may perform a method for powersavings via a power saving signal received from a base station. Themethod may include the wireless device transmitting, to the base stationwithin a network, power savings requirements and receiving, from thebase station, a configuration of a power saving signal, wherein theconfiguration indicates one or more functionalities of the power savingsignal. The method may also include the wireless device periodicallyreceiving, from the base station, the power saving signal andinterpreting the power saving signal based on the configuration. In someembodiments, the configuration of the power saving signal may bereceived via radio resource control signaling. In some embodiments, theconfiguration may be pre-defined (or pre-configured, e.g., viastandardization) or the configuration may be negotiated between thewireless device and the base station. The negotiation may include thewireless device requesting a minimum gap between receipt of the powersaving signal and an action indicated by the functionality of the powersaving signal. In some embodiments, a parameter included in the powersaving signal may indicate a gap between receipt of the power savingsignal and an action indicated by the functionality of the power savingsignal that is greater than or equal to the minimum gap.

In some embodiments, the one or more functionalities include at leastone of a power saving signal functioning as a wake-up signal, a powersaving signal functioning as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)monitoring skipping signal, a power saving signal functioning as a PDCCHmonitoring periodicity change signal, a power saving signal functioningas a bandwidth part (BWP) switching indicator, a power saving signalfunctioning as a maximum number of multiple input multiple output (MIMO)layer indicator; a power saving signal functioning as a minimum K0indicator, where K0 indicates a number of slots between a slot scheduledfor the PDCCH and a slot scheduled for a physical downlink sharedchannel (PDSCH), and/or a power saving signal functioning as a secondarycell control indicator.

This Summary is intended to provide a brief overview of some of thesubject matter described in this document. Accordingly, it will beappreciated that the above-described features are merely examples andshould not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subjectmatter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, andadvantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparentfrom the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present subject matter can be obtainedwhen the following detailed description of various embodiments isconsidered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example wireless communication system accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a base station (BS) and an accesspoint in communication with a user equipment (UE) device according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example simplified block diagram of a WLAN AccessPoint (AP), according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a UE according to someembodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example block diagram of a BS according to someembodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example block diagram of cellular communicationcircuitry, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example of connections between an EPC network, anLTE base station (eNB), and a 5G NR base station (gNB).

FIG. 6B illustrates an example of a protocol stack for an eNB and a gNB.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a 5G network architecture thatincorporates both 3GPP (e.g., cellular) and non-3GPP (e.g.,non-cellular) access to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a 5G network architecture thatincorporates both dual 3GPP (e.g., LTE and 5G NR) access and non-3GPPaccess to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a baseband processor architecture for aUE, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example monitoring a power saving signal,according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate examples of monitoring a power saving signalconfigured as a wake-up signal, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate examples of monitoring a power saving signalconfigured as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal, according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate examples of monitoring a power saving signalconfigured as a PDCCH monitoring periodicity change signal, according tosome embodiments.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate examples of monitoring a power saving signalconfigured as a wake-up signal and a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates examples of possible values of a PS signal andassociated indications for p-cell and s-cell control, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates examples of possible values of a PS signal andassociated indications for p-cell and s-cell control, according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate examples of block diagrams of methods forconfiguring a power savings signal, according to some embodiments.

While the features described herein may be susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof areshown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described indetail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detaileddescription thereto are not intended to be limiting to the particularform disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Terms

The following is a glossary of terms used in this disclosure:

Memory Medium—Any of various types of non-transitory memory devices orstorage devices. The term “memory medium” is intended to include aninstallation medium, e.g., a CD-ROM, floppy disks, or tape device; acomputer system memory or random-access memory such as DRAM, DDR RAM,SRAM, EDO RAM, Rambus RAM, etc.; a non-volatile memory such as a Flash,magnetic media, e.g., a hard drive, or optical storage; registers, orother similar types of memory elements, etc. The memory medium mayinclude other types of non-transitory memory as well or combinationsthereof. In addition, the memory medium may be located in a firstcomputer system in which the programs are executed, or may be located ina second different computer system which connects to the first computersystem over a network, such as the Internet. In the latter instance, thesecond computer system may provide program instructions to the firstcomputer for execution. The term “memory medium” may include two or morememory mediums which may reside in different locations, e.g., indifferent computer systems that are connected over a network. The memorymedium may store program instructions (e.g., embodied as computerprograms) that may be executed by one or more processors.

Carrier Medium—a memory medium as described above, as well as a physicaltransmission medium, such as a bus, network, and/or other physicaltransmission medium that conveys signals such as electrical,electromagnetic, or digital signals.

Programmable Hardware Element—includes various hardware devicescomprising multiple programmable function blocks connected via aprogrammable interconnect. Examples include FPGAs (Field ProgrammableGate Arrays), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), FPOAs (FieldProgrammable Object Arrays), and CPLDs (Complex PLDs). The programmablefunction blocks may range from fine grained (combinatorial logic or lookup tables) to coarse grained (arithmetic logic units or processorcores). A programmable hardware element may also be referred to as“reconfigurable logic”.

Computer System—any of various types of computing or processing systems,including a personal computer system (PC), mainframe computer system,workstation, network appliance, Internet appliance, personal digitalassistant (PDA), television system, grid computing system, or otherdevice or combinations of devices. In general, the term “computersystem” can be broadly defined to encompass any device (or combinationof devices) having at least one processor that executes instructionsfrom a memory medium.

User Equipment (UE) (or “UE Device”)—any of various types of computersystems or devices that are mobile or portable and that perform wirelesscommunications. Examples of UE devices include mobile telephones orsmart phones (e.g., iPhone™, Android™-based phones), portable gamingdevices (e.g., Nintendo DS™, PlayStation Portable™, Gameboy Advance™,iPhone™), laptops, wearable devices (e.g. smart watch, smart glasses),PDAs, portable Internet devices, music players, data storage devices, orother handheld devices, etc. In general, the term “UE” or “UE device”can be broadly defined to encompass any electronic, computing, and/ortelecommunications device (or combination of devices) which is easilytransported by a user and capable of wireless communication.

Wireless Device—any of various types of computer systems or devices thatperform wireless communications. A wireless device can be portable (ormobile) or may be stationary or fixed at a certain location. A UE is anexample of a wireless device.

Communication Device—any of various types of computer systems or devicesthat perform communications, where the communications can be wired orwireless. A communication device can be portable (or mobile) or may bestationary or fixed at a certain location. A wireless device is anexample of a communication device. A UE is another example of acommunication device.

Base Station—The term “Base Station” has the full breadth of itsordinary meaning, and at least includes a wireless communication stationinstalled at a fixed location and used to communicate as part of awireless telephone system or radio system.

Processing Element—refers to various elements or combinations ofelements that are capable of performing a function in a device, such asa user equipment or a cellular network device. Processing elements mayinclude, for example: processors and associated memory, portions orcircuits of individual processor cores, entire processor cores,processor arrays, circuits such as an ASIC (Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit), programmable hardware elements such as a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), as well any of various combinations ofthe above.

Channel—a medium used to convey information from a sender (transmitter)to a receiver. It should be noted that since characteristics of the term“channel” may differ according to different wireless protocols, the term“channel” as used herein may be considered as being used in a mannerthat is consistent with the standard of the type of device withreference to which the term is used. In some standards, channel widthsmay be variable (e.g., depending on device capability, band conditions,etc.). For example, LTE may support scalable channel bandwidths from 1.4MHz to 20 MHz. In contrast, WLAN channels may be 22 MHz wide whileBluetooth channels may be 1 Mhz wide. Other protocols and standards mayinclude different definitions of channels. Furthermore, some standardsmay define and use multiple types of channels, e.g., different channelsfor uplink or downlink and/or different channels for different uses suchas data, control information, etc.

Band—The term “band” has the full breadth of its ordinary meaning, andat least includes a section of spectrum (e.g., radio frequency spectrum)in which channels are used or set aside for the same purpose.

Automatically—refers to an action or operation performed by a computersystem (e.g., software executed by the computer system) or device (e.g.,circuitry, programmable hardware elements, ASICs, etc.), without userinput directly specifying or performing the action or operation. Thus,the term “automatically” is in contrast to an operation being manuallyperformed or specified by the user, where the user provides input todirectly perform the operation. An automatic procedure may be initiatedby input provided by the user, but the subsequent actions that areperformed “automatically” are not specified by the user, i.e., are notperformed “manually”, where the user specifies each action to perform.For example, a user filling out an electronic form by selecting eachfield and providing input specifying information (e.g., by typinginformation, selecting check boxes, radio selections, etc.) is fillingout the form manually, even though the computer system must update theform in response to the user actions. The form may be automaticallyfilled out by the computer system where the computer system (e.g.,software executing on the computer system) analyzes the fields of theform and fills in the form without any user input specifying the answersto the fields. As indicated above, the user may invoke the automaticfilling of the form, but is not involved in the actual filling of theform (e.g., the user is not manually specifying answers to fields butrather they are being automatically completed). The presentspecification provides various examples of operations beingautomatically performed in response to actions the user has taken.

Approximately—refers to a value that is almost correct or exact. Forexample, approximately may refer to a value that is within 1 to 10percent of the exact (or desired) value. It should be noted, however,that the actual threshold value (or tolerance) may be applicationdependent. For example, in some embodiments, “approximately” may meanwithin 0.1% of some specified or desired value, while in various otherembodiments, the threshold may be, for example, 2%, 3%, 5%, and soforth, as desired or as required by the particular application.

Concurrent—refers to parallel execution or performance, where tasks,processes, or programs are performed in an at least partiallyoverlapping manner. For example, concurrency may be implemented using“strong” or strict parallelism, where tasks are performed (at leastpartially) in parallel on respective computational elements, or using“weak parallelism”, where the tasks are performed in an interleavedmanner, e.g., by time multiplexing of execution threads.

Configured to—Various components may be described as “configured to”perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is a broadrecitation generally meaning “having structure that” performs the taskor tasks during operation. As such, the component can be configured toperform the task even when the component is not currently performingthat task (e.g., a set of electrical conductors may be configured toelectrically connect a module to another module, even when the twomodules are not connected). In some contexts, “configured to” may be abroad recitation of structure generally meaning “having circuitry that”performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the component canbe configured to perform the task even when the component is notcurrently on. In general, the circuitry that forms the structurecorresponding to “configured to” may include hardware circuits.

Various components may be described as performing a task or tasks, forconvenience in the description. Such descriptions should be interpretedas including the phrase “configured to.” Reciting a component that isconfigured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not toinvoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) interpretation for that component.

FIGS. 1A and 1B—Communication Systems

FIG. 1A illustrates a simplified example wireless communication system,according to some embodiments. It is noted that the system of FIG. 1 ismerely one example of a possible system, and that features of thisdisclosure may be implemented in any of various systems, as desired.

As shown, the example wireless communication system includes a basestation 102A which communicates over a transmission medium with one ormore user devices 106A, 106B, etc., through 106N. Each of the userdevices may be referred to herein as a “user equipment” (UE). Thus, theuser devices 106 are referred to as UEs or UE devices.

The base station (BS) 102A may be a base transceiver station (BTS) orcell site (a “cellular base station”) and may include hardware thatenables wireless communication with the UEs 106A through 106N.

The communication area (or coverage area) of the base station may bereferred to as a “cell.” The base station 102A and the UEs 106 may beconfigured to communicate over the transmission medium using any ofvarious radio access technologies (RATs), also referred to as wirelesscommunication technologies, or telecommunication standards, such as GSM,UMTS (associated with, for example, WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces),LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 5G new radio (5G NR), HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000(e.g., 1xRTT, NEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), etc. Note that if the base station102A is implemented in the context of LTE, it may alternately bereferred to as an ‘eNodeB’ or ‘eNB’. Note that if the base station 102Ais implemented in the context of 5G NR, it may alternately be referredto as ‘gNodeB’ or ‘gNB’.

As shown, the base station 102A may also be equipped to communicate witha network 100 (e.g., a core network of a cellular service provider, atelecommunication network such as a public switched telephone network(PSTN), and/or the Internet, among various possibilities). Thus, thebase station 102A may facilitate communication between the user devicesand/or between the user devices and the network 100. In particular, thecellular base station 102A may provide UEs 106 with varioustelecommunication capabilities, such as voice, SMS and/or data services.

Base station 102A and other similar base stations (such as base stations102B . . . 102N) operating according to the same or a different cellularcommunication standard may thus be provided as a network of cells, whichmay provide continuous or nearly continuous overlapping service to UEs106A-N and similar devices over a geographic area via one or morecellular communication standards.

Thus, while base station 102A may act as a “serving cell” for UEs 106A-Nas illustrated in FIG. 1 , each UE 106 may also be capable of receivingsignals from (and possibly within communication range of) one or moreother cells (which might be provided by base stations 102B-N and/or anyother base stations), which may be referred to as “neighboring cells”.Such cells may also be capable of facilitating communication betweenuser devices and/or between user devices and the network 100. Such cellsmay include “macro” cells, “micro” cells, “pico” cells, and/or cellswhich provide any of various other granularities of service area size.For example, base stations 102A-B illustrated in FIG. 1 might be macrocells, while base station 102N might be a micro cell. Otherconfigurations are also possible.

In some embodiments, base station 102A may be a next generation basestation, e.g., a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station, or “gNB”. In someembodiments, a gNB may be connected to a legacy evolved packet core(EPC) network and/or to a NR core (NRC) network. In addition, a gNB cellmay include one or more transmission and reception points (TRPs). Inaddition, a UE capable of operating according to 5G NR may be connectedto one or more TRPs within one or more gNBs.

Note that a UE 106 may be capable of communicating using multiplewireless communication standards. For example, the UE 106 may beconfigured to communicate using a wireless networking (e.g., Wi-Fi)and/or peer-to-peer wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth,Wi-Fi peer-to-peer, etc.) in addition to at least one cellularcommunication protocol (e.g., GSM, UMTS (associated with, for example,WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR, HSPA, 3GPP2CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), etc.). The UE 106 may alsoor alternatively be configured to communicate using one or more globalnavigational satellite systems (GNSS, e.g., GPS or GLONASS), one or moremobile television broadcasting standards (e.g., ATSC-M/H or DVB-H),and/or any other wireless communication protocol, if desired. Othercombinations of wireless communication standards (including more thantwo wireless communication standards) are also possible.

FIG. 1B illustrates user equipment 106 (e.g., one of the devices 106Athrough 106N) in communication with a base station 102 and an accesspoint 112, according to some embodiments. The UE 106 may be a devicewith both cellular communication capability and non-cellularcommunication capability (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and so forth) such asa mobile phone, a hand-held device, a computer or a tablet, or virtuallyany type of wireless device.

The UE 106 may include a processor that is configured to execute programinstructions stored in memory. The UE 106 may perform any of the methodembodiments described herein by executing such stored instructions.Alternatively, or in addition, the UE 106 may include a programmablehardware element such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) that isconfigured to perform any of the method embodiments described herein, orany portion of any of the method embodiments described herein.

The UE 106 may include one or more antennas for communicating using oneor more wireless communication protocols or technologies. In someembodiments, the UE 106 may be configured to communicate using, forexample, CDMA2000 (1xRTT/1xEV-DO/HRPD/eHRPD), LTE/LTE-Advanced, or 5G NRusing a single shared radio and/or GSM, LTE, LTE-Advanced, or 5G NRusing the single shared radio. The shared radio may couple to a singleantenna, or may couple to multiple antennas (e.g., for MIMO) forperforming wireless communications. In general, a radio may include anycombination of a baseband processor, analog RF signal processingcircuitry (e.g., including filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers,etc.), or digital processing circuitry (e.g., for digital modulation aswell as other digital processing). Similarly, the radio may implementone or more receive and transmit chains using the aforementionedhardware. For example, the UE 106 may share one or more parts of areceive and/or transmit chain between multiple wireless communicationtechnologies, such as those discussed above.

In some embodiments, the UE 106 may include separate transmit and/orreceive chains (e.g., including separate antennas and other radiocomponents) for each wireless communication protocol with which it isconfigured to communicate. As a further possibility, the UE 106 mayinclude one or more radios which are shared between multiple wirelesscommunication protocols, and one or more radios which are usedexclusively by a single wireless communication protocol. For example,the UE 106 might include a shared radio for communicating using eitherof LTE or 5G NR (or LTE or 1xRTTor LTE or GSM), and separate radios forcommunicating using each of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Other configurationsare also possible.

FIG. 2—Access Point Block Diagram

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an access point (AP)112. It is noted that the block diagram of the AP of FIG. 2 is only oneexample of a possible system. As shown, the AP 112 may includeprocessor(s) 204 which may execute program instructions for the AP 112.The processor(s) 204 may also be coupled (directly or indirectly) tomemory management unit (MMU) 240, which may be configured to receiveaddresses from the processor(s) 204 and to translate those addresses tolocations in memory (e.g., memory 260 and read only memory (ROM) 250) orto other circuits or devices.

The AP 112 may include at least one network port 270. The network port270 may be configured to couple to a wired network and provide aplurality of devices, such as UEs 106, access to the Internet. Forexample, the network port 270 (or an additional network port) may beconfigured to couple to a local network, such as a home network or anenterprise network. For example, port 270 may be an Ethernet port. Thelocal network may provide connectivity to additional networks, such asthe Internet.

The AP 112 may include at least one antenna 234, which may be configuredto operate as a wireless transceiver and may be further configured tocommunicate with UE 106 via wireless communication circuitry 230. Theantenna 234 communicates with the wireless communication circuitry 230via communication chain 232. Communication chain 232 may include one ormore receive chains, one or more transmit chains or both. The wirelesscommunication circuitry 230 may be configured to communicate via Wi-Fior WLAN, e.g., 802.11. The wireless communication circuitry 230 mayalso, or alternatively, be configured to communicate via various otherwireless communication technologies, including, but not limited to, 5GNR, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), Global System forMobile (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), CDMA2000,etc., for example when the AP is co-located with a base station in caseof a small cell, or in other instances when it may be desirable for theAP 112 to communicate via various different wireless communicationtechnologies.

In some embodiments, as further described below, an AP 112 may beconfigured to implement methods for configuring a power savings signalin fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) networks, e.g., as furtherdescribed herein.

FIG. 3 —Block Diagram of a UE

FIG. 3 illustrates an example simplified block diagram of acommunication device 106, according to some embodiments. It is notedthat the block diagram of the communication device of FIG. 3 is only oneexample of a possible communication device. According to embodiments,communication device 106 may be a user equipment (UE) device, a mobiledevice or mobile station, a wireless device or wireless station, adesktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., alaptop, notebook, or portable computing device), a tablet and/or acombination of devices, among other devices. As shown, the communicationdevice 106 may include a set of components 300 configured to performcore functions. For example, this set of components may be implementedas a system on chip (SOC), which may include portions for variouspurposes. Alternatively, this set of components 300 may be implementedas separate components or groups of components for the various purposes.The set of components 300 may be coupled (e.g., communicatively;directly or indirectly) to various other circuits of the communicationdevice 106.

For example, the communication device 106 may include various types ofmemory (e.g., including NAND flash 310), an input/output interface suchas connector I/F 320 (e.g., for connecting to a computer system; dock;charging station; input devices, such as a microphone, camera, keyboard;output devices, such as speakers; etc.), the display 360, which may beintegrated with or external to the communication device 106, andcellular communication circuitry 330 such as for 5G NR, LTE, GSM, etc.,and short to medium range wireless communication circuitry 329 (e.g.,Bluetooth™ and WLAN circuitry). In some embodiments, communicationdevice 106 may include wired communication circuitry (not shown), suchas a network interface card, e.g., for Ethernet.

The cellular communication circuitry 330 may couple (e.g.,communicatively; directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, suchas antennas 335 and 336 as shown. The short to medium range wirelesscommunication circuitry 329 may also couple (e.g., communicatively;directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, such as antennas 337and 338 as shown. Alternatively, the short to medium range wirelesscommunication circuitry 329 may couple (e.g., communicatively; directlyor indirectly) to the antennas 335 and 336 in addition to, or insteadof, coupling (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) to theantennas 337 and 338. The short to medium range wireless communicationcircuitry 329 and/or cellular communication circuitry 330 may includemultiple receive chains and/or multiple transmit chains for receivingand/or transmitting multiple spatial streams, such as in amultiple-input multiple output (MIMO) configuration.

In some embodiments, as further described below, cellular communicationcircuitry 330 may include dedicated receive chains (including and/orcoupled to, e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly. dedicatedprocessors and/or radios) for multiple RATs (e.g., a first receive chainfor LTE and a second receive chain for 5G NR). In addition, in someembodiments, cellular communication circuitry 330 may include a singletransmit chain that may be switched between radios dedicated to specificRATs. For example, a first radio may be dedicated to a first RAT, e.g.,LTE, and may be in communication with a dedicated receive chain and atransmit chain shared with an additional radio, e.g., a second radiothat may be dedicated to a second RAT, e.g., 5G NR, and may be incommunication with a dedicated receive chain and the shared transmitchain.

The communication device 106 may also include and/or be configured foruse with one or more user interface elements. The user interfaceelements may include any of various elements, such as display 360 (whichmay be a touchscreen display), a keyboard (which may be a discretekeyboard or may be implemented as part of a touchscreen display), amouse, a microphone and/or speakers, one or more cameras, one or morebuttons, and/or any of various other elements capable of providinginformation to a user and/or receiving or interpreting user input.

The communication device 106 may further include one or more smart cards345 that include SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) functionality, such asone or more UICC(s) (Universal Integrated Circuit Card(s)) cards 345.

As shown, the SOC 300 may include processor(s) 302, which may executeprogram instructions for the communication device 106 and displaycircuitry 304, which may perform graphics processing and provide displaysignals to the display 360. The processor(s) 302 may also be coupled tomemory management unit (MMU) 340, which may be configured to receiveaddresses from the processor(s) 302 and translate those addresses tolocations in memory (e.g., memory 306, read only memory (ROM) 350, NANDflash memory 310) and/or to other circuits or devices, such as thedisplay circuitry 304, short range wireless communication circuitry 229,cellular communication circuitry 330, connector I/F 320, and/or display360. The MMU 340 may be configured to perform memory protection and pagetable translation or set up. In some embodiments, the MMU 340 may beincluded as a portion of the processor(s) 302.

As noted above, the communication device 106 may be configured tocommunicate using wireless and/or wired communication circuitry. Thecommunication device 106 may be configured to perform methods forconfiguring a power savings signal in fifth generation (5G) new radio(NR) networks, e.g., as further described herein.

As described herein, the communication device 106 may include hardwareand software components for implementing the above features for acommunication device 106 to communicate a scheduling profile for powersavings to a network. The processor 302 of the communication device 106may be configured to implement part or all of the features describedherein, e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memorymedium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium).Alternatively (or in addition), processor 302 may be configured as aprogrammable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable GateArray), or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).Alternatively (or in addition) the processor 302 of the communicationdevice 106, in conjunction with one or more of the other components 300,304, 306, 310, 320, 329, 330, 340, 345, 350, 360 may be configured toimplement part or all of the features described herein.

In addition, as described herein, processor 302 may include one or moreprocessing elements. Thus, processor 302 may include one or moreintegrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functionsof processor 302. In addition, each integrated circuit may includecircuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured toperform the functions of processor(s) 302.

Further, as described herein, cellular communication circuitry 330 andshort-range wireless communication circuitry 329 may each include one ormore processing elements. In other words, one or more processingelements may be included in cellular communication circuitry 330 and,similarly, one or more processing elements may be included in shortrange wireless communication circuitry 329. Thus, cellular communicationcircuitry 330 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that areconfigured to perform the functions of cellular communication circuitry330. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g.,first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to perform thefunctions of cellular communication circuitry 230. Similarly, theshort-range wireless communication circuitry 329 may include one or moreICs that are configured to perform the functions of short-range wirelesscommunication circuitry 32. In addition, each integrated circuit mayinclude circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.)configured to perform the functions of short-range wirelesscommunication circuitry 329.

FIG. 4—Block Diagram of a Base Station

FIG. 4 illustrates an example block diagram of a base station 102,according to some embodiments. It is noted that the base station of FIG.4 is merely one example of a possible base station. As shown, the basestation 102 may include processor(s) 404 which may execute programinstructions for the base station 102. The processor(s) 404 may also becoupled to memory management unit (MMU) 440, which may be configured toreceive addresses from the processor(s) 404 and translate thoseaddresses to locations in memory (e.g., memory 460 and read only memory(ROM) 450) or to other circuits or devices.

The base station 102 may include at least one network port 470. Thenetwork port 470 may be configured to couple to a telephone network andprovide a plurality of devices, such as UE devices 106, access to thetelephone network as described above in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

The network port 470 (or an additional network port) may also oralternatively be configured to couple to a cellular network, e.g., acore network of a cellular service provider. The core network mayprovide mobility related services and/or other services to a pluralityof devices, such as UE devices 106. In some cases, the network port 470may couple to a telephone network via the core network, and/or the corenetwork may provide a telephone network (e.g., among other UE devicesserviced by the cellular service provider).

In some embodiments, base station 102 may be a next generation basestation, e.g., a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station, or “gNB”. In suchembodiments, base station 102 may be connected to a legacy evolvedpacket core (EPC) network and/or to a NR core (NRC) network. Inaddition, base station 102 may be considered a 5G NR cell and mayinclude one or more transmission and reception points (TRPs). Inaddition, a UE capable of operating according to 5G NR may be connectedto one or more TRPs within one or more gNBs.

The base station 102 may include at least one antenna 434, and possiblymultiple antennas. The at least one antenna 434 may be configured tooperate as a wireless transceiver and may be further configured tocommunicate with UE devices 106 via radio 430. The antenna 434communicates with the radio 430 via communication chain 432.Communication chain 432 may be a receive chain, a transmit chain orboth. The radio 430 may be configured to communicate via variouswireless communication standards, including, but not limited to, 5G NR,LTE, LTE-A, GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, etc.

The base station 102 may be configured to communicate wirelessly usingmultiple wireless communication standards. In some instances, the basestation 102 may include multiple radios, which may enable the basestation 102 to communicate according to multiple wireless communicationtechnologies. For example, as one possibility, the base station 102 mayinclude an LTE radio for performing communication according to LTE aswell as a 5G NR radio for performing communication according to 5G NR.In such a case, the base station 102 may be capable of operating as bothan LTE base station and a 5G NR base station. As another possibility,the base station 102 may include a multi-mode radio which is capable ofperforming communications according to any of multiple wirelesscommunication technologies (e.g., 5G NR and Wi-Fi, LTE and Wi-Fi, LTEand UMTS, LTE and CDMA2000, UMTS and GSM, etc.).

As described further subsequently herein, the BS 102 may includehardware and software components for implementing or supportingimplementation of features described herein, e.g., for configuring apower savings signal in fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) networks.The processor 404 of the base station 102 may be configured to implementor support implementation of part or all of the methods describedherein, e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memorymedium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium).Alternatively, the processor 404 may be configured as a programmablehardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or asan ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a combinationthereof. Alternatively (or in addition) the processor 404 of the BS 102,in conjunction with one or more of the other components 430, 432, 434,440, 450, 460, 470 may be configured to implement or supportimplementation of part or all of the features described herein.

In addition, as described herein, processor(s) 404 may be comprised ofone or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processingelements may be included in processor(s) 404. Thus, processor(s) 404 mayinclude one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured toperform the functions of processor(s) 404. In addition, each integratedcircuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry,etc.) configured to perform the functions of processor(s) 404.

Further, as described herein, radio 430 may be comprised of one or moreprocessing elements. In other words, one or more processing elements maybe included in radio 430. Thus, radio 430 may include one or moreintegrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functionsof radio 430. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry(e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to performthe functions of radio 430.

FIG. 5: Block Diagram of Cellular Communication Circuitry

FIG. 5 illustrates an example simplified block diagram of cellularcommunication circuitry, according to some embodiments. It is noted thatthe block diagram of the cellular communication circuitry of FIG. 5 isonly one example of a possible cellular communication circuit. Accordingto embodiments, cellular communication circuitry 330 may be include in acommunication device, such as communication device 106 described above.As noted above, communication device 106 may be a user equipment (UE)device, a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wirelessstation, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computingdevice (e.g., a laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), atablet and/or a combination of devices, among other devices.

The cellular communication circuitry 330 may couple (e.g.,communicatively; directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, suchas antennas 335 a-b and 336 as shown (in FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments,cellular communication circuitry 330 may include dedicated receivechains (including and/or coupled to, e.g., communicatively; directly orindirectly. dedicated processors and/or radios) for multiple RATs (e.g.,a first receive chain for LTE and a second receive chain for 5G NR). Forexample, as shown in FIG. 5 , cellular communication circuitry 330 mayinclude a modem 510 and a modem 520. Modem 510 may be configured forcommunications according to a first RAT, e.g., such as LTE or LTE-A, andmodem 520 may be configured for communications according to a secondRAT, e.g., such as 5G NR.

As shown, modem 510 may include one or more processors 512 and a memory516 in communication with processors 512. Modem 510 may be incommunication with a radio frequency (RF) front end 530. RF front end530 may include circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio signals.For example, RF front end 530 may include receive circuitry (RX) 532 andtransmit circuitry (TX) 534. In some embodiments, receive circuitry 532may be in communication with downlink (DL) front end 550, which mayinclude circuitry for receiving radio signals via antenna 335 a.

Similarly, modem 520 may include one or more processors 522 and a memory526 in communication with processors 522. Modem 520 may be incommunication with an RF front end 540. RF front end 540 may includecircuitry for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, RFfront end 540 may include receive circuitry 542 and transmit circuitry544. In some embodiments, receive circuitry 542 may be in communicationwith DL front end 560, which may include circuitry for receiving radiosignals via antenna 335 b.

In some embodiments, a switch 570 may couple transmit circuitry 534 touplink (UL) front end 572. In addition, switch 570 may couple transmitcircuitry 544 to UL front end 572. UL front end 572 may includecircuitry for transmitting radio signals via antenna 336. Thus, whencellular communication circuitry 330 receives instructions to transmitaccording to the first RAT (e.g., as supported via modem 510), switch570 may be switched to a first state that allows modem 510 to transmitsignals according to the first RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain thatincludes transmit circuitry 534 and UL front end 572). Similarly, whencellular communication circuitry 330 receives instructions to transmitaccording to the second RAT (e.g., as supported via modem 520), switch570 may be switched to a second state that allows modem 520 to transmitsignals according to the second RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain thatincludes transmit circuitry 544 and UL front end 572).

In some embodiments, the cellular communication circuitry 330 may beconfigured to perform methods for defining and using a resource map forsemi-persistent resource reservations/scheduling for unicast and/orgroupcast communications in V2X (vehicle to everything) networks, e.g.,as further described herein.

As described herein, the modem 510 may include hardware and softwarecomponents for implementing the above features or for time divisionmultiplexing UL data for NSA NR operations, as well as the various othertechniques described herein. The processors 512 may be configured toimplement part or all of the features described herein, e.g., byexecuting program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., anon-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or inaddition), processor 512 may be configured as a programmable hardwareelement, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or inaddition) the processor 512, in conjunction with one or more of theother components 530, 532, 534, 550, 570, 572, 335 and 336 may beconfigured to implement part or all of the features described herein.

In addition, as described herein, processors 512 may include one or moreprocessing elements. Thus, processors 512 may include one or moreintegrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functionsof processors 512. In addition, each integrated circuit may includecircuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured toperform the functions of processors 512.

As described herein, the modem 520 may include hardware and softwarecomponents for implementing the above features for communicating ascheduling profile for power savings to a network, as well as thevarious other techniques described herein. The processors 522 may beconfigured to implement part or all of the features described herein,e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g.,a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or inaddition), processor 522 may be configured as a programmable hardwareelement, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or inaddition) the processor 522, in conjunction with one or more of theother components 540, 542, 544, 550, 570, 572, 335 and 336 may beconfigured to implement part or all of the features described herein.

In addition, as described herein, processors 522 may include one or moreprocessing elements. Thus, processors 522 may include one or moreintegrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functionsof processors 522. In addition, each integrated circuit may includecircuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured toperform the functions of processors 522.

5G NR Architecture with LTE

In some implementations, fifth generation (5G) wireless communicationwill initially be deployed concurrently with current wirelesscommunication standards (e.g., LTE). For example, dual connectivitybetween LTE and 5G new radio (5G NR or NR) has been specified as part ofthe initial deployment of NR. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-B,evolved packet core (EPC) network 600 may continue to communicate withcurrent LTE base stations (e.g., eNB 602). In addition, eNB 602 may bein communication with a 5G NR base station (e.g., gNB 604) and may passdata between the EPC network 600 and gNB 604. Thus, EPC network 600 maybe used (or reused) and gNB 604 may serve as extra capacity for UEs,e.g., for providing increased downlink throughput to UEs. In otherwords, LTE may be used for control plane signaling and NR may be usedfor user plane signaling. Thus, LTE may be used to establish connectionsto the network and NR may be used for data services.

FIG. 6B illustrates a proposed protocol stack for eNB 602 and gNB 604.As shown, eNB 602 may include a medium access control (MAC) layer 632that interfaces with radio link control (RLC) layers 622 a-b. RLC layer622 a may also interface with packet data convergence protocol (PDCP)layer 612 a and RLC layer 622 b may interface with PDCP layer 612 b.Similar to dual connectivity as specified in LTE-Advanced Release 12,PDCP layer 612 a may interface via a master cell group (MCG) bearer toEPC network 600 whereas PDCP layer 612 b may interface via a splitbearer with EPC network 600.

Additionally, as shown, gNB 604 may include a MAC layer 634 thatinterfaces with RLC layers 624 a-b. RLC layer 624 a may interface withPDCP layer 612 b of eNB 602 via an X2 interface for information exchangeand/or coordination (e.g., scheduling of a UE) between eNB 602 and gNB604. In addition, RLC layer 624 b may interface with PDCP layer 614.Similar to dual connectivity as specified in LTE-Advanced Release 12,PDCP layer 614 may interface with EPC network 600 via a secondary cellgroup (SCG) bearer. Thus, eNB 602 may be considered a master node (MeNB)while gNB 604 may be considered a secondary node (SgNB). In somescenarios, a UE may be required to maintain a connection to both an MeNBand a SgNB. In such scenarios, the MeNB may be used to maintain a radioresource control (RRC) connection to an EPC while the SgNB may be usedfor capacity (e.g., additional downlink and/or uplink throughput).

5G Core Network Architecture—Interworking with Wi-Fi

In some embodiments, the 5G core network (CN) may be accessed via (orthrough) a cellular connection/interface (e.g., via a 3GPP communicationarchitecture/protocol) and a non-cellular connection/interface (e.g., anon-3GPP access architecture/protocol such as Wi-Fi connection). FIG. 7Aillustrates an example of a 5G network architecture that incorporatesboth 3GPP (e.g., cellular) and non-3GPP (e.g., non-cellular) access tothe 5G CN, according to some embodiments. As shown, a user equipmentdevice (e.g., such as UE 106) may access the 5G CN through both a radioaccess network (RAN, e.g., such as gNB or base station 604) and anaccess point, such as AP 112. The AP 112 may include a connection to theInternet 700 as well as a connection to a non-3GPP inter-workingfunction (N3IWF) 702 network entity. The N3IWF may include a connectionto a core access and mobility management function (AMF) 704 of the 5GCN. The AMF 704 may include an instance of a 5G mobility management (5GMM) function associated with the UE 106. In addition, the RAN (e.g., gNB604) may also have a connection to the AMF 704. Thus, the 5G CN maysupport unified authentication over both connections as well as allowsimultaneous registration for UE 106 access via both gNB 604 and AP 112.As shown, the AMF 704 may include one or more functional entitiesassociated with the 5G CN (e.g., network slice selection function (NSSF)720, short message service function (SMSF) 722, application function(AF) 724, unified data management (UDM) 726, policy control function(PCF) 728, and/or authentication server function (AUSF) 730). Note thatthese functional entities may also be supported by a session managementfunction (SMF) 706 a and an SMF 706 b of the 5G CN. The AMF 706 may beconnected to (or in communication with) the SMF 706 a. Further, the gNB604 may in communication with (or connected to) a user plane function(UPF) 708 a that may also be communication with the SMF 706 a.Similarly, the N3IWF 702 may be communicating with a UPF 708 b that mayalso be communicating with the SMF 706 b. Both UPFs may be communicatingwith the data network (e.g., DN 710 a and 710 b) and/or the Internet 700and IMS core network 710.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a 5G network architecture thatincorporates both dual 3GPP (e.g., LTE and 5G NR) access and non-3GPPaccess to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments. As shown, a userequipment device (e.g., such as UE 106) may access the 5G CN throughboth a radio access network (RAN, e.g., such as gNB or base station 604or eNB or base station 602) and an access point, such as AP 112. The AP112 may include a connection to the Internet 700 as well as a connectionto the N3IWF 702 network entity. The N3IWF may include a connection tothe AMF 704 of the 5G CN. The AMF 704 may include an instance of the 5GMM function associated with the UE 106. In addition, the RAN (e.g., gNB604) may also have a connection to the AMF 704. Thus, the 5G CN maysupport unified authentication over both connections as well as allowsimultaneous registration for UE 106 access via both gNB 604 and AP 112.In addition, the 5G CN may support dual-registration of the UE on both alegacy network (e.g., LTE via base station 602) and a 5G network (e.g.,via base station 604). As shown, the base station 602 may haveconnections to a mobility management entity (MME) 742 and a servinggateway (SGW) 744. The MME 742 may have connections to both the SGW 744and the AMF 704. In addition, the SGW 744 may have connections to boththe SMF 706 a and the UPF 708 a. As shown, the AMF 704 may include oneor more functional entities associated with the 5G CN (e.g., NSSF 720,SMSF 722, AF 724, UDM 726, PCF 728, and/or AUSF 730). Note that UDM 726may also include a home subscriber server (HSS) function and the PCF mayalso include a policy and charging rules function (PCRF). Note furtherthat these functional entities may also be supported by the SMF706 a andthe SMF 706 b of the 5G CN. The AMF 706 may be connected to (or incommunication with) the SMF 706 a. Further, the gNB 604 may incommunication with (or connected to) the UPF 708 a that may also becommunication with the SMF 706 a. Similarly, the N3IWF 702 may becommunicating with a UPF 708 b that may also be communicating with theSMF 706 b. Both UPFs may be communicating with the data network (e.g.,DN 710 a and 710 b) and/or the Internet 700 and IMS core network 710.

Note that in various embodiments, one or more of the above describednetwork entities may be configured to perform methods to configure apower savings signal in fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) networks,e.g., as further described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a baseband processor architecture for aUE (e.g., such as UE 106), according to some embodiments. The basebandprocessor architecture 800 described in FIG. 8 may be implemented on oneor more radios (e.g., radios 329 and/or 330 described above) or modems(e.g., modems 510 and/or 520) as described above. As shown, thenon-access stratum (NAS) 810 may include a 5G NAS 820 and a legacy NAS850. The legacy NAS 850 may include a communication connection with alegacy access stratum (AS) 870. The 5G NAS 820 may include communicationconnections with both a 5G AS 840 and a non-3GPP AS 830 and Wi-Fi AS832. The 5G NAS 820 may include functional entities associated with bothaccess stratums. Thus, the 5G NAS 820 may include multiple 5G MMentities 826 and 828 and 5G session management (SM) entities 822 and824. The legacy NAS 850 may include functional entities such as shortmessage service (SMS) entity 852, evolved packet system (EPS) sessionmanagement (ESM) entity 854, session management (SM) entity 856, EPSmobility management (EMM) entity 858, and mobility management (MM)/ GPRSmobility management (GMM) entity 860. In addition, the legacy AS 870 mayinclude functional entities such as LTE AS 872, UMTS AS 874, and/orGSM/GPRS AS 876.

Thus, the baseband processor architecture 800 allows for a common 5G-NASfor both 5G cellular and non-cellular (e.g., non-3GPP access). Note thatas shown, the 5G MM may maintain individual connection management andregistration management state machines for each connection.Additionally, a device (e.g., UE 106) may register to a single PLMN(e.g., 5G CN) using 5G cellular access as well as non-cellular access.Further, it may be possible for the device to be in a connected state inone access and an idle state in another access and vice versa. Finally,there may be common 5G-MM procedures (e.g., registration,de-registration, identification, authentication, as so forth) for bothaccesses.

Note that in various embodiments, one or more of the above describedelements may be configured to perform methods to implement mechanismsfor configuring a power savings signal in fifth generation (5G) newradio (NR) networks, e.g., as further described herein.

Power Saving Indications

In some existing implementations, a mobile station, or UE, may have alimited amount of power, e.g., based on a size of an included battery.Thus, due to the size of the included battery, power consumption of theUE may be directly translated (or related) to talk time, stand by time,and/or usage time. In addition, as compared to legacy protocols (orRATs) such as LTE, Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR), which supportsmuch wider bandwidth than LTE, is expected to consume more power.Further, since initial deployment of 5G NR will be based on a dualconnectivity solution with LTE, power consumption will be furtherincreased due to requiring both LTE and 5G NR radios to be on. Thus,power consumption reduction is needed.

For example, it has been acknowledged that UE power consumption ininitial deployments of 5G NR (e.g., dual connectivity 5G NR-LTE) isunnecessarily high due to a variety of factors. As one example, physicaldownlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring without a grant has beenshown to unnecessarily increase power consumption in certain instances,such as PDCCH monitoring without a grant between packet arrival timesand PDCCH monitoring without a grant during a connected modediscontinuous reception cycle (CDRX) “on” duration. Additionally,unnecessary power consumption has been shown when using too widebandwidth for data arrival (e.g., the bandwidth used for data arrival istoo wide as compared to an amount of data arriving). As another example,S-cells may be turned on for a longer time than necessary to fullyutilize. In other words, S-cells may be under-utilized based on theduration that they are on. As a further example, usage of more multipleinput multiple output (MIMO) layers than necessary leads to unnecessarypower consumption since addition receive chains need to be powered tosupport the MIMO layers.

Embodiments described herein provide a configurable power saving signal(or channel) with multiple functionalities. In some embodiments, thefunctionalities of the configurable power saving signal may include any,any combination of, and/or all of a wake-up signal, a PDCCH monitoringskipping signal, a PDCCH monitoring periodicity change signal, a signalto trigger bandwidth switching, a signal to trigger maximum MIMO layerindication, a signal to trigger minimum K0 indicator, and/or a signal totrigger S-cell control. In some embodiments, the functionality of theconfigurable power saving signal may be determined by radio resourcecontrol (RRC) signaling depending on UE capability and needs.

For example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE 106, may beconfigured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which maybe configured as a wake-up signal (or channel). In some embodiments, theUE may be configured to monitor a power saving signal prior to an “on”period (or wakeup period) of a discontinuous reception cycle (DRX).Additionally, in some embodiments, a gap (e.g., a period of time)between a power saving signal monitoring occasion and a DRX “on” starttime may be pre-configured (e.g., via signaling between a base station,such as gNB 604 and the UE). In some embodiments, the pre-configurationmay involve a negotiation between the UE and a base station, such as gNB604. In some embodiments, the UE may request a minimum gap value and thebase station may accommodate the UE with a gap time greater than orequal to the minimum gap value. In some embodiments, the base stationmay configure the gap time without input from the UE, e.g., based on apre-configured and/or standardized value for the gap time.

In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 9 , a UE, such as UE 106,may monitor a power saving signal (or channel), such as PS signal 910,from a base station, such as gNB 604. As discussed above, the basestation may specify a gap 920 between detection of PS signal 910 and astart of a corresponding DRX on cycle, such as DRX on 912. Further, asshown, if the UE does not detect PS signal 910 (e.g., shown as no PSsignal 914), the UE may skip a correspond DRX on cycle (e.g., shown asDRX on skip 916). Thus, based upon detection (or lack of detection) ofPS signal 910, the UE may realize power savings.

In some embodiments, a PS signal may be further configured to include aparameter indicating the gap between a power saving signal monitoringoccasion and a DRX “on” start time (e.g., as described above) and aparameter indicating a number of DRX “on” cycles to attend (in case ofPS signal detection) or skip (in case of no PS signal detection). Insuch embodiments, a periodicity of the PS signal may be longer than aDRX cycle.

In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 10A, a UE, such as UE 106,may periodically monitor a power saving signal (or channel), such as PSsignal 1010, from a base station, such as gNB 604. As discussed above,the base station may specify a gap (e.g., T 1020) between detection ofPS signal 1010 and a start of a corresponding DRX on cycle, such as DRXon cycle 1012. Additionally, the PS signal 1010 may include a parameter(e.g., N) indicating a number of DRX on cycles 1012 the UE is toperform. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, if the UE does not detect PSsignal 1010 (e.g., shown as no PS signal 1014), the UE may skip acorresponding number DRX on cycles (e.g., shown as DRX on skip 1016).Note that the number of DRX on cycles may be pre-configured (e.g., viaRRC signaling) in at least some embodiments. Thus, based upon detection(or lack of detection) of PS signal 1010, the UE may realize powersavings.

In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 10C, a UE may, during a DRXon cycle, perform PDCCH monitoring 1022 upon detection of a PS signal1030. During PDCCH monitoring 1022, the UE may detect a downlink controlindex (DCI) 1024 indicating a scheduled PDSCH 1026. Thus, in someembodiments, a data scheduling DCI may be used as a PS signal. Forexample, as illustrated by FIG. 10D, a base station, such as gNB 604,may send a DCI for data scheduling instead of a PS signal. Thus, PSsignal 1030 may be the data scheduling DCI and may include resourceallocation information for corresponding PDSCH 1026. Thus, upon receiptof the PS signal (or data scheduling DCI) 1030, the UE may wakeup andmay schedule both PDCCH monitoring 1022 and the PDSCH 1026 withoutreceiving further scheduling information from the base station. In someembodiments, the UE may interpret (or understand) that the datascheduling DCI received during wake up signal monitoring occasion mayinclude only K0 values larger than (greater than or equal to) the gap(e.g., T 1030) among all K0 values in a time domain resource allocationTDRA (table).

As another example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE 106, may beconfigured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which maybe configured as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In someembodiments, if a UE detects such a power saving signal (or channel),the UE may skip scheduled monitoring of the PDCCH for a specified lengthof time. Additionally, in some embodiments, a gap (e.g., a period oftime) between a power saving signal monitoring occasion and PDCCHmonitoring skipping may be pre-configured (e.g., via signaling between abase station, such as gNB 604 and the UE). In some embodiments, thepre-configuration may involve a negotiation between the UE and a basestation, such as gNB 604. In some embodiments, the UE may request aminimum gap value and the base station may accommodate the UE with a gaptime greater than or equal to the minimum gap value. In someembodiments, the base station may configure the gap time without inputfrom the UE, e.g., based on a pre-configured and/or standardized valuefor the gap time.

In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 11A, a UE, such as UE 106,may monitor a power saving signal (or channel), such as PS signal 1122,from a base station, such as gNB 604. As discussed above, the basestation may specify a gap 1120 (e.g., time period) between detection ofPS signal 1122 and a start of a skipping period. Thus, as shown, upondetection of the PS signal 1122, a UE may continue PDCCH monitoring 1110for a gap 1120 before entering a sleep cycle (as specified by sleep time1124) during which the UE skips PDCCH monitoring (e.g., skip PDCCHmonitoring 1112).

In some embodiments, a PS signal may be further configured to include aparameter indicating the gap between a power saving signal monitoringoccasion and a PDCCH monitoring skipping period, a duration of askipping period (e.g., a sleep duration) or an indication of a durationof a skipping period chosen from a plurality of durations of a skippingperiod, and an indication of a cell or set of cells (e.g., a primary (ormaster) cell and one or more secondary cells). For example, asillustrated by FIG. 11B, a UE, such as UE 106, may receive a PS signal1132 from a base station, such as gNB 604. The PS signal 1132 mayinclude a duration, T 1130, until start of a sleep period, a sleep time1134, and an indication of whether the sleep period applies to p-cell1104 a and/or s-cell 1104 b. As shown, the PS signal 1132 may indicatethat the sleep period applies to s-cell 1104 b and not to p-cell 1104 a.Thus, the UE may continue PDCCH monitoring 1110 on p-cell 1104 a whileskipping PDCCH monitoring 1110 (e.g., skip PDCCH monitoring 1112) forthe sleep time 1134 on s-cell 1104 b. As another example, as illustratedby FIG. 11C, a UE, such as UE 106, may receive a PS signal 1142 from abase station, such as gNB 604. The PS signal 1142 may include aduration, T 1140, until start of a sleep period, a sleep time 1144, andan indication of whether the sleep period applies to p-cell 1104 aand/or s-cell 1104 b. As shown, the PS signal 1142 may indicate that thesleep period applies to s-cell 1104 b and to p-cell 1104 a. Thus, the UEmay skip PDCCH monitoring 1110 (e.g., skip PDCCH monitoring 1112) onp-cell 1104 a and s-cell 1104 b for the sleep time 1144.

As another example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE 106, may beconfigured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which maybe configured as a PDCCH monitoring periodicity change signal. In someembodiments, if a UE detects such a power saving signal (or channel),the UE may switch its PDCCH monitoring periodicity for a specifiedlength of time. Additionally, in some embodiments, a gap (e.g., a periodof time) between a power saving signal monitoring occasion and PDCCHmonitoring periodicity change may be pre-configured (e.g., via signalingbetween a base station, such as gNB 604 and the UE). In someembodiments, the pre-configuration may involve a negotiation between theUE and a base station, such as gNB 604. In some embodiments, the UE mayrequest a minimum gap value and the base station may accommodate the UEwith a gap time greater than or equal to the minimum gap value. In someembodiments, the base station may configure the gap time without inputfrom the UE, e.g., based on a pre-configured and/or standardized valuefor the gap time.

In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 12A, a UE, such as UE 106,may monitor a power saving signal (or channel), such as PS signal 1222,from a base station, such as gNB 604. As discussed above, the basestation may specify a time period 1220 between detection of PS signal1222 and a start of a change in PDCCH monitoring periodicity. Thus, asshown, upon detection of the PS signal 1222, a UE may continue PDCCHmonitoring 1210 for a time period 1220 (e.g., gap) before changing itsPDCCH monitoring periodicity. Thus, the UE may skip monitoring of thePDCCH (e.g., skip PDCCH monitoring 1212) based on the indicatedperiodicity. As shown, upon receiving PS signal 1224, the UE maycontinue PDCCH monitoring based on PS signal 1222 for a time period 1220before changing its PDCCH monitoring periodicity based on PS signal1224.

In some embodiments, a PS signal may be further configured to include aparameter indicating the gap between a power saving signal monitoringoccasion and a change in PDCCH monitoring periodicity, a periodicity ofPDCCH monitoring skipping or an indication of a periodicity chosen froma plurality of PDCCH monitoring periodicity, and an indication of a cellor set of cells (e.g., a primary (or master) cell and one or moresecondary cells). For example, as illustrated by FIG. 12B, a UE, such asUE 106, may receive a PS signal 1232 from a base station, such as gNB604. The PS signal 1232 may include a duration, T 1230, until start of achange in PDCCH monitoring periodicity, an indication of the PDCCHmonitoring periodicity, and an indication of whether the PDCCHmonitoring periodicity applies to p-cell 1204 a and/or s-cell 1204 b. Asshown, the PS signal 1232 may indicate that the change applies to s-cell1204 b and not to p-cell 1204 a. Thus, the UE may continue PDCCHmonitoring 1210 on p-cell 1204 a while changing PDCCH monitoring 1210(e.g., skip PDCCH monitoring 1212) for s-cell 1204 b. Further, as shown,upon receiving PS signal 1234, the UE may continue PDCCH monitoringbased on PS signal 1232 for a time period 1230 before changing its PDCCHmonitoring periodicity for s-cell 1204 b (e.g., as indicated by PSsignal 1234) based on PS signal 1234. As another example, as illustratedby FIG. 12C, a UE, such as UE 106, may receive a PS signal 1242 from abase station, such as gNB 604. The PS signal 1242 may include aduration, T 1240, until start of a change in PDCCH monitoringperiodicity, an indication of the PDCCH monitoring periodicity, and anindication of whether the PDCCH monitoring periodicity applies to p-cell1204 a and/or s-cell 1204 b. As shown, the PS signal 1242 may indicatethat the change applies to p-cell 1204 a and s-cell 1204 b. Thus, aftertime period 1240, the UE change PDCCH monitoring 1210 (e.g., skip PDCCHmonitoring 1212) for p-cell 1204 a and s-cell 1204 b, e.g., as indicatedby PS signal 1242. Further, as shown, upon receiving PS signal 1244, theUE may continue PDCCH monitoring based on PS signal 1242 for the timeperiod 1240 before changing its PDCCH monitoring periodicity for p-cell1204 a and s-cell 1204 b (e.g., as indicated by PS signal 1244) based onPS signal 1244.

As another example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE 106, may beconfigured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which maybe configured as a bandwidth part (BWP) switch indicator. In someembodiments, if the UE detects a PS signal indicating a different BWP,the UE may change its active BWP to to BWP indicated in the PS signal.In some embodiments, such a PS signal may trigger BWP switching inmultiple cells. For example, PS signal based BWP switching could triggerchange of an active BWP of a p-cell to a default BWP and an active BWPof one or more s-cells to their own default BWPs. In some embodiments,such switching of the BWP of the one or more s-cells this could besignaled explicitly or implicitly. In some embodiments, PS signal basedBWP switching to p-cell's default BWP may also triggerdeactivation/suspension of one or more s-cell(s). In some embodiments, aPS signal may be further configured to include a parameter indicatingthe gap between a PS signal monitoring occasion and a change in BWP.Additionally, in some embodiments, the gap (e.g., a period of time)between a power saving signal monitoring occasion and change in BWP maybe pre-configured (e.g., via signaling between a base station, such asgNB 604 and the UE). In some embodiments, the pre-configuration mayinvolve a negotiation between the UE and a base station, such as gNB604. In some embodiments, the UE may request a minimum gap value and thebase station may accommodate the UE with a gap time greater than orequal to the minimum gap value. In some embodiments, the base stationmay configure the gap time without input from the UE, e.g., based on apre-configured and/or standardized value for the gap time.

As another example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE 106, may beconfigured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which maybe configured to indicate a maximum number of MIMO layers (or maximumnumber of antennas to use for reception). In some embodiments, if UEdetects a PS signal indicating a maximum number of MIMO layers, the UEmay adjust its number of receive antennas and/and receive chains toreduce power consumption, e.g., based on the indicated maximum number ofMIMO layers. In some embodiments, if the UE does not detect a PS signalindicating a maximum number of MIMO layers, then the UE may use apreviously received indicated maximum value could be assumed if a mostrecent maximum number of MIMO layer indication by PS signal was receivedwithin a specified time period (e.g., a X ms, where, for example, X isbetween 1 and 100). In some embodiments, if the UE does not detect a PSsignal indicating a maximum number of MIMO layers and if there was noprior PS signal indicating a maximum number of MIMO layers for within aspecified time period (e.g., X ms, where X is, for example, between 1and 100), then the UE may assume a default number of MIMO layers, e.g.,as configured by RRC signaling.

As a further example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE 106, may beconfigured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which maybe configured to indicate a minimum K0 value (K0_min) per bandwidth part(BWP) per component carrier, where K0 may be define as time distancebetween PDCCH and corresponding PDSCH in slots. In other words, a PSsignal may be configured to specify a minimum K0 value per BWP percomponent carrier, where K0 may define a number of slots (e.g., from 0to n) between a slot scheduled for the PDCCH and a slot scheduled forPDSCH. In some embodiments, if the UE detects a PS signal indicatingminimum K0 values per BWP per component carrier, then the UE may expectto receive PDSCH based on only time domain resource allocation (TDRA)entries with K0 values larger than the minimum K0. In some embodiments,if the UE detects a PS signal indicating minimum K0 values per BWP percomponent carrier, then the UE may add the minimum K0 value indicated inthe PS signal to all K0 values in TDRA entries. In some embodiments, ifthe UE does not detect a PS indicating a minimum K0 value per BWP percomponent carrier, then the UE may continue to use a most recentlysignaled minimum K0 value per BWP per component carrier.

In some embodiments, to aid a base station, such as gNB 604, indetermination of correct K0 values, a UE, such as UE 106 may transmit(e.g., via RRC signaling) preferred K0 value per BWP and per componentcarrier to the base station. In addition, the UE may transmit a PDCCHdecoding delay in each BWP in each component carrier to the basestation. In such embodiments, the base station may determine K0 valuesbased, at least in part, on the UE's transmitted preferences, subcarrierspacings of BWPs considered (e.g., BWPs preferred by the UE), PDCCHdecoding delay (e.g., as specified by the UE) in the related BWPs,and/or whether the base station uses cross carrier scheduling.

As a further example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE 106, may beconfigured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which maybe configured to indicate secondary cell (s-cell) activation,deactivation, and/or suspension. In some embodiments, if a UE detects aPS signal indicating s-cell activation, the UE may activate an indicateds-cell (or s-cells). In some embodiments, if the UE detects a PS signalindicating s-cell deactivation, the UE may deactivate an indicateds-cell (or s-cells). In some embodiments, if the UE detects a PS signalindicating s-cell suspension, the UE may switch an indicated s-cell (ors-cells) in a suspend mode. Note that in some embodiments, a suspendmode may be defined as a mode in which the UE may not expect to receiveany data transmission but in which the UE may still monitor downlinkchannel status monitoring related signaling such as CSI-RS.Additionally, in some embodiments, a gap (e.g., a period of time)between a power saving (PS) signal monitoring occasion and s-cell modechange may be pre-configured (e.g., via signaling between a basestation, such as gNB 604 and the UE). In some embodiments, thepre-configuration may involve a negotiation between the UE and a basestation, such as gNB 604. In some embodiments, the UE may request aminimum gap value and the base station may accommodate the UE with a gaptime greater than or equal to the minimum gap value. In someembodiments, the base station may configure the gap time without inputfrom the UE, e.g., based on a pre-configured and/or standardized valuefor the gap time.

In some embodiments, one or more of the functionalities and/orconfigurations of a power saving (PS) signal described above may beconfigured simultaneously via radio resource control signaling between aUE, such as UE 106, and a base station, such as gNB 604, to support UEpower savings. In some embodiments, if one or morefunctionalities/configurations are configured for a PS signal, then thePS signal may include (or carry) all associated parameters (or fields)until the PS signal is reconfigured. In other words, the PS signal maybe configured to include any, any combination of, and/or all of theabove described parameters/functionalities via RRC signaling. Inaddition, the PS signal may be reconfigured via RRC signaling to includeany, any combination of, and/or all of the above describedparameters/functionalities via RRC signaling.

For example, in some embodiments, a PS signal may be configured as awake-up signal, a bandwidth part (BWP) indicator, a maximum number ofMIMO layers indicator, and as an s-cell control. In such embodiments, atime gap between a wakeup signal and a start of a DRX “on” cycle (e.g.,for PDCCH monitoring and/or PDSCH data reception) may accommodate UEactivation of one or more s-cells (e.g., as indicated by the PS signal).Thus, the time gap may accommodate both UE modem warm up (e.g., forPDCCH monitoring and/or PDSCH data reception) and UE activation of theone or more s-cells. Thus, the PS signal may indicate whether UE needsto wake up, which BWP to monitor upon wake up, and a maximum number ofMIMO layers in the indicated BWP in the indicates s-cells foractivation. Note that applicability of the BWP indicator (or index) maydepend on other jointly indicated signals, such as which s-cells are tobe activated.

As another example, a PS signal may be configured as a wake-up signaland a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In such embodiments, the UE mayinterpret the PS signal based on a mode of the UE. Thus, if the UE is inan active mode (e.g., a DRX “on” cycle), the UE may interpret the PSsignal as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. However, if the UE is notin the active mode (e.g., a DRX “off” cycle), the UE may interpret thePS signal as a wake-up signal. In other words, a functionalityassociated with the PS signal may be dependent upon a mode (or state) ofthe UE. Alternatively, in some embodiments, multiple PS signals may beconfigured via RRC signaling between a UE and a base station. In suchembodiments, a first PS signal may be configured as a wake-up signal anda second PS signal may be configured as a PDCCH monitoring skippingindication. In such embodiments, a base station, such as gNB 604, maytransmit the first PS signal when a UE, such as UE 106, is in a DRX“off” (or sleep) duration (or out of DRX “on” duration) and may transmitthe second PS signal when the UE is in a DRX “on” duration (e.g.,actively monitoring PDCCH) or when inactivity timer is running.

FIG. 13A illustrates one example of such a PS signal configuration (moreprecisely a single search space configuration for PS signal monitoring),according to some embodiments. As shown, a PS signal 1322 may beperiodically received by a UE, such as UE 106, from a base station, suchas gNB 604. As shown, when a PS signal 1322 is received during PDCCHmonitoring 1310 (e.g., during a DRX “on” cycle), the UE may interpretthe PS signal 1322 as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal and skip one ormore PDCCH monitoring opportunities based on the PS signal 1322.However, when a PS signal 1322 is received outside of PDCCH monitoring1310 (e.g., during a DRX “off” duration), the UE may interpret the PSsignal 1322 as a wake-up signal and, after a duration 1320, may resumePDCCH monitoring 1310 for a duration as specified in PS signal 1322before re-entering (or resuming) a DRX “off” (or sleep) cycle.

FIG. 13B illustrates another example of two PS signal configurations(more precisely two search space configurations; a first configurationfor monitoring the PS signal as PDCCH monitoring skipping signal and asecond configuration for monitoring PS signal as wake up signal),according to some embodiments. As shown, a PS signal may be periodicallyreceived by a UE, such as UE 106, from a base station, such as gNB 604.As shown, when a PS signal 1332 is received by the UE during PDCCHmonitoring 1310 (e.g., during a DRX “on” cycle), the PS signal 1332 maybe configured as PDCCH monitoring skipping PS signal. Additionally, whenthe PS signal 1334, which is monitored based on the second search spaceconfiguration (e.g., during a DRX “off” cycle), the PS signal 1334 maybe configured as a wake-up PS signal.

As a further example, a PS signal may be configured as a PDCCHmonitoring skipping signal and an s-cell control signal. In suchembodiments, a PS signal may indicate PDCCH monitoring skipping durationand PDCCH monitoring periodicity to be used thereafter as well as s-cellactivation/deactivation/suspension. In some embodiments, PDCCHmonitoring skipping signal and s-cell control may be jointly encoded tosave signaling overhead. For example, FIG. 14 illustrates examples ofpossible values of a PS signal and associated indications for p-cell ands-cell control, according to some embodiments. As shown, a joint signalvalue of ‘000’ may indicate no PDCCH monitoring skipping for a p-celland instruct a UE to resume monitoring of an s-cell (or s-cells) ifstopped and/or activate an s-cell (or s-cells) if deactivated. A valueof ‘001’ may indicate 5 milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping forthe p-cell and 5 milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping for thes-cell (or s-cells). A value of ‘010’ may indicate 10 milliseconds ofPDCCH monitoring skipping for the p-cell and 20 milliseconds of PDCCHmonitoring skipping for the s-cell (or s-cells). A value of ‘011’ mayindicate 20 milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping for the p-cell and40 milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping for the s-cell (ors-cells). A value of ‘100’ may indicate 30 milliseconds of PDCCHmonitoring skipping for the p-cell and suspension of the s-cell (ors-cells). A value of ‘111’ may indicate 40 milliseconds of PDCCHmonitoring skipping for the p-cell and deactivation of the s-cell (ors-cells).

As another example, a PS signal may be configured as a bandwidth part(BWP) indicator and an s-cell control signal. In such embodiments, a PSsignal may indicate BWP for both p-cell and s-cell (or s-cells) as wellas s-cell activation/deactivation/suspension. In some embodiments, BWPindication and s-cell control may be jointly encoded to save signalingoverhead and/or to capture most likely configurations. For example, FIG.15 illustrates examples of possible values of a PS signal and associatedindications for p-cell and s-cell control, according to someembodiments. As shown, a joint signal value of ‘000’ may indicatedefault BWP for a p-cell and instruct a UE to deactivate an s-cell (ors-cells). A value of ‘001’ may indicate default BWP for the p-cell andsuspension of the s-cell (or s-cells). A value of ‘010’ may indicateBWP1 for the p-cell and suspension of the s-cell (or s-cells). A valueof ‘011’ may indicate BWP2 for the p-cell and suspension of the s-cell(or s-cells). A value of ‘100’ may indicate BWP2 for the p-cell anddefault BWP for the s-cell (or s-cells). A value of ‘101’ may indicateBWP2 for the p-cell and BWP2 for the s-cell (or s-cells).

FIG. 16 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method forconfiguring a power savings signal, according to some embodiments. Themethod shown in FIG. 16 may be used in conjunction with any of thesystems, methods, or devices shown in the Figures, among other devices.In various embodiments, some of the method elements shown may beperformed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may beomitted. Additional method elements may also be performed as desired. Asshown, this method may operate as follows.

At 1602, a UE, such as UE 106, may transmit power savings requirementsto a base station, such as base station 102 and/or gNB 604.

At 1604, the UE may receive, from the base station, a configuration of apower saving signal. In some embodiments, the configuration may indicateone or more functionalities of the power saving signal. In someembodiments, the configuration of the power saving signal may bereceived via radio resource control signaling. In some embodiments, theconfiguration may be negotiated between the UE and the base station. Insuch embodiments, the negotiation may include the UE requesting aminimum gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an actionindicated by the functionality of the power saving signal. In someembodiments, a parameter included in the power saving signal mayindicate a gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an actionindicated by the functionality of the power saving signal that isgreater than or equal to the minimum gap. In some embodiments, the oneor more functionalities may include any, any combination of, and/or allof the power saving signal functioning as a wake-up signal, the powersaving signal functioning as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)monitoring skipping signal, the power saving signal functioning as aPDCCH monitoring periodicity change signal, the power saving signalfunctioning as a bandwidth part (BWP) switching indicator, the powersaving signal functioning as a maximum number of multiple input multipleoutput (MIMO) layer indicator, the power saving signal functioning as aminimum K0 indicator, where K0 may indicate a number of slots between aslot scheduled for the PDCCH and a slot scheduled for a physicaldownlink shared channel (PDSCH), and/or the power saving signalfunctioning as a secondary cell control indicator.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a wake-upsignal, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicatinga time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a wake-upstart time. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may alsoinclude a second parameter indicating a number of power on cycles toskip when the UE does not receive a power savings signal. In someembodiments, the power saving signal may further include a thirdparameter indicating a scheduling downlink control index (DCI).

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a PDCCHmonitoring skipping signal, the power saving signal may include a firstparameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power savingsignal and a start of the PDCCH monitoring skipping. In someembodiments, the power saving signal may also include a second parameterindicating a sleep duration from a set of sleep durations. In someembodiments, the power saving signal may further include a thirdparameter indicating a set of cells to skip monitoring PDCCH. In someembodiments, the set of cells may include a primary cell and one or moresecondary cells.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a PDCCHperiodicity change signal, the power saving signal may include a firstparameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power savingsignal and a start of the PDCCH periodicity change. In some embodiments,the power saving signal may also include a second parameter indicating aPDCCH monitoring periodicity from a set of PDCCH monitoringperiodicities. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may furtherinclude a third parameter indicating a set of cells the change in PDCCHmonitoring periodicity applies to. In some embodiments, the set of cellsmay include a primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as abandwidth part (BWP) switching indicator, the power saving signal mayinclude a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of thepower saving signal and a switch of the BWP. In some embodiments, thepower saving signal may also include a second parameter indicating theBWP. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include athird parameter indicating a set of cells the BWP applies to. In someembodiments, the set of cells may include a primary cell and one or moresecondary cells.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a maximumnumber of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) layer indicator, thepower saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gapbetween receipt of the power saving signal and a switch of the maximumnumber of MIMO layers. In some embodiments, the power saving signal mayalso include a second parameter indicating the maximum number of MIMOlayers. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further includea third parameter indicating a set of cells the maximum number of MIMOlayers applies to. In some embodiments, the set of cells may include aprimary cell and one or more secondary cells.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a minimumK0 indicator per bandwidth part and/or per component carrier, the powersaving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gapbetween receipt of the power saving signal and a switch of the minimumK0. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also include asecond parameter indicating the minimum K0. In some embodiments, K0 mayindicate a number of slots between a slot scheduled for the PDCCH and aslot scheduled for a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). In someembodiments, the power saving signal may further include a thirdparameter indicating a set of cells the minimum K0 applies to. In someembodiments, the set of cells may include a primary cell and one or moresecondary cells. In some embodiments, the UE may interpret the minimumK0 as an offset. In such embodiments, the UE may add the minimum K0 toall K0 values.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as asecondary cell control indicator, the power saving signal may include afirst parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the powersaving signal and a switch in a mode of the secondary cell. In someembodiments, the power saving signal may also include a second parameterindicating one or more secondary cells to switch. In some embodiments,the modes may include activation, deactivation, and/or suspension.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may function as a wake-upsignal, a bandwidth part (BWP) indicator, a maximum number ofmultiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) layer indicator, and a secondarycell control indicator. In such embodiments, the power saving signal mayinclude a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of thepower saving signal and a switch in a mode of the secondary cell, asecond parameter indicating one or more secondary cells to switch, athird parameter indicating a maximum number of MIMO layers, and a fourthparameter indicating BWP. In some embodiments, the power saving signalmay further include a fifth parameter indicating to which secondarycells the maximum number of MIMO layers and BWP are applicable.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may function as a wake-upsignal and a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In some embodiments, whenthe UE is in an active mode, the UE may interpret the power savingsignal as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In some embodiments, whenthe UE is not in the active mode, the UE may interpret the power savingsignal as a wake-up signal. In some embodiments, the power saving signalmay include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt ofthe power saving signal and a wake-up start time or a start of the PDCCHmonitoring skipping, a second parameter indicating a number of power oncycles to skip when the wireless device does not receive a power savingssignal, and a third parameter indicating a sleep duration from a set ofsleep durations.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may function as a PDCCHmonitoring skipping signal and a secondary cell control indicator. Insuch embodiments, the power saving signal may include a first parameterindicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and astart of the PDCCH monitoring skipping, a second parameter indicatingPDCCH monitoring periodicity, and a third parameter indicating secondarycell mode. In some embodiments, the modes may include activation,deactivation, and suspension. In some embodiments, the PDCCH monitoringskipping and secondary control indicator may be jointly encoded toreduce signaling overhead.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may function as a bandwidthpart (BWP) indicator and a secondary cell control indicator. In someembodiments, the BWP and secondary cell control may be jointly encodedto reduce signaling overhead.

At 1606, the UE may periodically receive, from the base station, thepower saving signal.

At 1608, the UE may interpret the power saving signal based on theconfiguration.

FIG. 17 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method forconfiguring a power savings signal, according to some embodiments. Themethod shown in FIG. 17 may be used in conjunction with any of thesystems, methods, or devices shown in the Figures, among other devices.In various embodiments, some of the method elements shown may beperformed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may beomitted. Additional method elements may also be performed as desired. Asshown, this method may operate as follows.

At 1702, a UE, such as UE 106, may transmit power savings requirementsto a base station, such as base station 102 and/or gNB 604.

At 1704, the UE may receive, from the base station, a configuration of apower saving signal. In some embodiments, the configuration may indicateone or more functionalities of the power saving signal. In someembodiments, the configuration of the power saving signal may bereceived via radio resource control signaling. In some embodiments, theconfiguration may be negotiated between the UE and the base station. Insuch embodiments, the negotiation may include the UE requesting aminimum gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an actionindicated by the functionality of the power saving signal. In someembodiments, a parameter included in the power saving signal mayindicate a gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an actionindicated by the functionality of the power saving signal that isgreater than or equal to the minimum gap. In some embodiments, the powersaving signal may function as a wake-up signal and may include a firstparameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power savingsignal and a wake-up start time. In some embodiments, the power savingsignal may also include a second parameter indicating a number of poweron cycles to skip when the UE does not receive a power savings signal.In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a thirdparameter indicating a scheduling downlink control index (DCI).

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further function as abandwidth part (BWP) indicator, a maximum number ofmultiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) layer indicator, and a secondarycell control indicator. In such embodiments, the power saving signal mayinclude a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of thepower saving signal and a switch in a mode of the secondary cell, asecond parameter indicating one or more secondary cells to switch, athird parameter indicating a maximum number of MIMO layers, and a fourthparameter indicating BWP. In some embodiments, the power saving signalmay further include a fifth parameter indicating to which secondarycells the maximum number of MIMO layers and BWP are applicable.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also function as aPDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In some embodiments, when the UE is inan active mode, the UE may interpret the power saving signal as a PDCCHmonitoring skipping signal. In some embodiments, when the UE is not inthe active mode, the UE may interpret the power saving signal as awake-up signal. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may includea first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the powersaving signal and a wake-up start time or a start of the PDCCHmonitoring skipping, a second parameter indicating a number of power oncycles to skip when the wireless device does not receive a power savingssignal, and a third parameter indicating a sleep duration from a set ofsleep durations.

At 1706, the UE may periodically receive, from the base station, thepower saving signal.

At 1708, the UE may interpret the power saving signal based on theconfiguration.

FIG. 18 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method forconfiguring a power savings signal, according to some embodiments. Themethod shown in FIG. 18 may be used in conjunction with any of thesystems, methods, or devices shown in the Figures, among other devices.In various embodiments, some of the method elements shown may beperformed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may beomitted. Additional method elements may also be performed as desired. Asshown, this method may operate as follows.

At 1802, a UE, such as UE 106, may transmit power savings requirementsto a base station, such as base station 102 and/or gNB 604.

At 1804, the UE may receive, from the base station, a configuration of apower saving signal. In some embodiments, the configuration may indicateone or more functionalities of the power saving signal. In someembodiments, the configuration of the power saving signal may bereceived via radio resource control signaling. In some embodiments, theconfiguration may be negotiated between the UE and the base station. Insuch embodiments, the negotiation may include the UE requesting aminimum gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an actionindicated by the functionality of the power saving signal. In someembodiments, a parameter included in the power saving signal mayindicate a gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an actionindicated by the functionality of the power saving signal that isgreater than or equal to the minimum gap. In some embodiments, the powersaving signal may function as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal and mayinclude a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of thepower saving signal and a start of the PDCCH monitoring skipping. Insome embodiments, the power saving signal may also include a secondparameter indicating a sleep duration from a set of sleep durations. Insome embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a thirdparameter indicating a set of cells to skip monitoring PDCCH. In someembodiments, the set of cells may include a primary cell and one or moresecondary cells.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further function as awake-up signal. In some embodiments, when the UE is in an active mode,the UE may interpret the power saving signal as a PDCCH monitoringskipping signal. In some embodiments, when the UE is not in the activemode, the UE may interpret the power saving signal as a wake-up signal.In some embodiments, the power saving signal may include a firstparameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power savingsignal and a wake-up start time or a start of the PDCCH monitoringskipping, a second parameter indicating a number of power on cycles toskip when the wireless device does not receive a power savings signal,and a third parameter indicating a sleep duration from a set of sleepdurations.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further function as asecondary cell control indicator. In such embodiments, the power savingsignal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap betweenreceipt of the power saving signal and a start of the PDCCH monitoringskipping, a second parameter indicating PDCCH monitoring periodicity,and a third parameter indicating secondary cell mode. In someembodiments, the modes may include activation, deactivation, andsuspension. In some embodiments, the PDCCH monitoring skipping andsecondary control indicator may be jointly encoded to reduce signalingoverhead.

At 1806, the UE may periodically receive, from the base station, thepower saving signal.

At 1808, the UE may interpret the power saving signal based on theconfiguration.

It is well understood that the use of personally identifiableinformation should follow privacy policies and practices that aregenerally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmentalrequirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular,personally identifiable information data should be managed and handledso as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use,and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be realized in any of variousforms. For example, some embodiments may be realized as acomputer-implemented method, a computer-readable memory medium, or acomputer system. Other embodiments may be realized using one or morecustom-designed hardware devices such as ASICs. Still other embodimentsmay be realized using one or more programmable hardware elements such asFPGAs.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable memory mediummay be configured so that it stores program instructions and/or data,where the program instructions, if executed by a computer system, causethe computer system to perform a method, e.g., any of a methodembodiments described herein, or, any combination of the methodembodiments described herein, or, any subset of any of the methodembodiments described herein, or, any combination of such subsets.

In some embodiments, a device (e.g., a UE 106 or BS 102) may beconfigured to include a processor (or a set of processors) and a memorymedium, where the memory medium stores program instructions, where theprocessor is configured to read and execute the program instructionsfrom the memory medium, where the program instructions are executable toimplement any of the various method embodiments described herein (or,any combination of the method embodiments described herein, or, anysubset of any of the method embodiments described herein, or, anycombination of such subsets). The device may be realized in any ofvarious forms.

Although the embodiments above have been described in considerabledetail, numerous variations and modifications will become apparent tothose skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated.It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace allsuch variations and modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A user equipment device (UE), comprising: atleast one antenna; at least one radio, wherein the at least one radio isconfigured to perform cellular communication using at least one radioaccess technology (RAT); and one or more processors coupled to the atleast one radio, wherein the one or more processors and the at least oneradio are configured to perform voice and/or data communications;wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the UE to:receive, from a base station, a configuration of a power saving signalvia radio resource control (RRC) signaling, wherein the configurationindicates one or more functionalities of the power saving signal,wherein the power saving signal functions as a wake-up signal, andwherein, when the wake-up signal is not received, a discontinuousreception cycle (DRX) on-duration is skipped by the UE; monitor, fromthe base station before the DRX on-duration, the power saving signal;and interpret the power saving signal based on the configuration.
 2. TheUE of claim 1, wherein the functionality of the power saving signaldepends on UE capability.
 3. The UE of claim 1, wherein thefunctionality of the power saving includes a secondary cell (Scell)indication.
 4. The UE of claim 3, wherein the Scell indication indicatesone of activation, deactivation, or suspension of an Scell.
 5. The UE ofclaim 4, wherein the Scell indication applies to the Scell and not aprimary cell (PCell).
 6. The UE of claim 3, wherein the Scell indicationincludes an indication of a bandwidth part (BWP) for an SCell.
 7. The UEof claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured tocause the UE to: negotiate a gap between a power signal monitoringoccasion for the power saving signal and a start of the DRX on-duration,wherein a negotiation includes the UE: requesting, from the basestation, a minimum gap value; and receiving, from the base station,signaling configurating the gap from the base station.
 8. The UE ofclaim 1, wherein the UE is in connected mode.
 9. An apparatus,comprising: a memory; and at least one processor in communication withthe memory; wherein the at least one processor is configured to:receive, from a base station, a configuration of a power saving signalvia radio resource control (RRC) signaling, wherein the configurationindicates one or more functionalities of the power saving signal,wherein the power saving signal functions as a wake-up signal, andwherein, when the wake-up signal is not received, a discontinuousreception cycle (DRX) on-duration is skipped; monitor, from the basestation before the DRX on-duration, the power saving signal; andinterpret the power saving signal based on the configuration.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the functionality of the power savingsignal depends on a capability associated with the apparatus.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the functionality of the power savingincludes a secondary cell (Scell) indication.
 12. The apparatus of claim11, wherein the Scell indication indicates one of activation,deactivation, or suspension of an Scell.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the Scell indication applies to the Scell and not a primary cell(PCell).
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the Scell indicationincludes an indication of a bandwidth part (BWP) for an SCell.
 15. Amethod, comprising: a user equipment device (UE), receiving, from a basestation, a configuration of a power saving signal via radio resourcecontrol (RRC) signaling, wherein the configuration indicates one or morefunctionalities of the power saving signal, wherein the power savingsignal functions as a wake-up signal, and wherein, when the wake-upsignal is not received, a discontinuous reception cycle (DRX)on-duration is skipped by the UE; monitoring, from the base stationbefore the DRX on-duration, the power saving signal; and interpretingthe power saving signal based on the configuration.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the functionality of the power saving signal dependson UE capability.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the functionalityof the power saving includes a secondary cell (Scell) indication. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein the Scell indication indicates one ofactivation, deactivation, or suspension of an Scell, and wherein theScell indication applies to the Scell and not a primary cell (PCell).19. The method of claim 17, wherein the Scell indication includes anindication of a bandwidth part (BWP) for an SCell.
 20. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising: the UE, negotiating a gap between a powersignal monitoring occasion for the power saving signal and a start ofthe DRX on-duration, wherein negotiating the gap includes the UE:requesting, from the base station, a minimum gap value; and receiving,from the base station, signaling configurating the gap from the basestation.